A Ugandan physician named Solomon Kimera has ignited a significant debate on the social media platform X after initiating a discussion about women, pregnancy, and fibroids. He took to his page, where he mixed humor with what he referred to as a medical fact to educate women about fibroids.
In his post, he mentioned that many women today prefer to establish their financial independence before starting a family. However, he likened fibroids to a lion that preys upon a vulnerable deer, suggesting that as achieving financial stability can take time, women may face the risk of aging, which increases their likelihood of developing fibroids.
This tweet led to major repercussions for the young doctor, with some individuals even threatening to file complaints in order to have his medical license revoked. While a number of healthcare professionals and some public figures backed his perspective, most others voiced their disagreement and criticized his comments.
Below are some of the reactions to his tweet:
But first and foremost, what are fibroids, what causes them, and how can they be prevented?
Here’s a medically accurate breakdown on fibroids, including causes, prevention, and the controversial link to pregnancy, all backed by trusted sources:
🧬 What Are Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during a woman’s reproductive years. They vary in size and can be asymptomatic or cause symptoms like heavy periods, pelvic pain, bloating, and fertility issues.
🩺 Source: Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic on Uterine Fibroids
⚠️ What Causes Fibroids?
The exact cause of fibroids remains unclear, but several factors are believed to contribute:
- Hormones – Especially estrogen and progesterone, which stimulate fibroid growth.
- Genetics – Family history increases your risk.
- Lifestyle – Obesity, early menstruation, and diet may play a role.
- Race – Black women are more likely to develop fibroids and at younger ages.
🩺 Source: Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic on Fibroids Causes
🛡️ Can Fibroids Be Prevented?
There’s no guaranteed prevention, but certain habits may reduce risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a plant-based diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Avoid excess red meat and alcohol
- Manage stress and hormones
🩺 Source: NIH / MedlinePlus
NIH on Fibroids Prevention
🤰🏾 Fibroids and Pregnancy: What’s the Link?
Pregnancy does not prevent fibroids, but hormonal shifts during pregnancy may suppress their growth temporarily. Some studies show women who’ve given birth have a lower long-term risk of developing fibroids, but:
- Getting pregnant early does not guarantee prevention
- It is not a medically advised prevention method
- Pregnancy with fibroids can sometimes cause complications
🩺 Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
ACOG on Pregnancy and Fibroids
⚖️ Conclusion:
While childbirth might reduce the risk of fibroids in some women, suggesting that women should get pregnant as a medical strategy is scientifically unfounded and socially problematic. Prevention should focus on lifestyle changes and early screening, not reproductive pressure.
